HB 1820 Summary

• Authorizes one stand-alone casino facility in Waikiki, Oahu, operating as a members-only facility with 10-year renewable licenses issued by a newly created Hawaii Gaming Control Commission.

• Restricts casino access to bona fide members and their guests who are 21+ years old, staying at least one night at a hotel on Oahu, paying a $20 one-day admission pass per visit.

• Establishes the Hawaii Gaming Control Commission with seven members to regulate casino operations, issue licenses, conduct background investigations, and enforce gaming laws.

• Imposes general excise tax on casino gaming gross receipts at a rate to be specified, with revenue deposited into a state gaming fund for compulsive gambler programs, casino security, and commission administrative expenses (capped at 1% of tax revenues).

• Effective July 1, 2022; requires auditor to conduct financial and social impact assessments of gaming operations after the first fiscal year and biennially thereafter.